Arunachal Pradesh observed Doctors’ Day with pride and purpose as Chief Minister Pema Khandu made a landmark declaration aimed at improving healthcare in the state. The Pema Khandu medical college announcement was the highlight of the state-level celebration held in Itanagar. The new college is set to improve medical education and healthcare delivery, especially in underserved regions.
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Arunachal Honors Its Medical Heroes
The event honored doctors for their tireless work, especially those posted in remote and high-risk areas. During his speech, Pema Khandu praised their dedication and commitment, calling them the backbone of Arunachal’s public health system. He thanked doctors who served during emergencies and stayed posted in difficult terrain despite harsh conditions.
“You are the strength of our villages, towns, and hospitals. Without your efforts, no government scheme can succeed,” said the Chief Minister.
Doctors working in towns like Tawang, Seppa, Ziro, and Anini were specially recognized. Several health workers also received awards for emergency response, maternal care, and rural service.
Pema Khandu Medical College Announcement: A Long-Awaited Step
While paying tribute to doctors, Khandu shared the government’s decision to build a second medical college in the state. The official Pema Khandu medical college announcement received applause and appreciation from the medical community and the public.
At present, Arunachal has only one medical college in Naharlagun. This new institution, proposed for western Arunachal, will focus on generating more local doctors. It will initially offer 100 MBBS seats and include teaching facilities, residential quarters, and a modern hospital.
“This college is not just a building,” said Khandu. “It is a commitment to our youth, our doctors, and every family that deserves timely care.”
Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access
Healthcare in Arunachal continues to face challenges due to its mountainous terrain and scattered population. Many regions still depend on doctors from outside the state, which limits continuity in care. The new college aims to solve this issue by training local students who are more likely to serve their own communities.
By announcing a second institution, the government hopes to strengthen regional healthcare. According to the Chief Minister, the focus will remain on quality education, affordable access, and service-based learning.
“We need more Arunachali doctors who understand the land, language, and needs of our people,” Khandu added.
Strong Community Response
The response to the announcement was overwhelmingly positive. The Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association welcomed the decision and called it timely. They stressed that more locally trained doctors would help stabilize health services in rural areas.
Several students from science backgrounds also reacted with hope. Until now, many aspiring doctors have had to study outside the state, often at great cost. The new college will provide a much-needed alternative.
State Health Minister Alo Libang called the announcement a “historic step toward medical self-sufficiency.” He assured that the Health Department would work with the Education and Infrastructure ministries to ensure smooth project rollout.
Funding, Location, and Timeline
The college will receive funding from both the central and state governments. Officials confirmed that the institution will be established under the centrally sponsored scheme for medical education in hill states.
The government has already begun identifying suitable land. Construction is expected to begin by mid-2026, with the first academic session likely to start in 2028. The college will also serve as a referral center for districts such as West Kameng, Tawang, and Upper Subansiri.
Khandu also assured that recruitment of qualified faculty would follow strict standards. The college aims to offer both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in future phases.
Making Healthcare a Core Priority
The Pema Khandu medical college announcement aligns with the state’s larger plan to transform its healthcare infrastructure. Alongside the new college, Arunachal is investing in telemedicine centers, mobile clinics, and digital health records to improve service delivery in remote locations.
Khandu emphasized that his government is determined to link education and health as key pillars of development. He noted that economic growth becomes meaningful only when basic services reach every citizen.
The Chief Minister added, “Our vision is to make Arunachal a hub of quality education and health. Every policy, every project will now carry that purpose.”
A Symbolic Step on a Special Day
Doctors’ Day 2025 will be remembered not only for its celebrations but also for the powerful message it carried. The Pema Khandu medical college announcement gave the occasion a deeper meaning, showing the state’s commitment to honoring doctors with real change.
The event ended with a cultural program led by nursing students and a pledge by young medical workers to serve with compassion. As Arunachal looks to the future, this day stood as a moment of pride, purpose, and promise.
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